Why is the bottom of my feet darker?

Author: Jalen Pouros  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

What disease causes the darkening of feet? Chronic venous insufficiency is one condition that can cause the skin on the feet and ankles to darken. What causes discoloration on the bottom of the feet? Bruising, fungal infections, or calluses can cause discoloration on the bottom of the feet.

What causes dark under feet?

In most cases, however, dark spots on the bottom of the feet are a form of hyperpigmentation. These patches are also known as brown spots or skin discoloration on foot soles. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, eyes, and hair.

Is foot discoloration serious?

Foot discoloration can be a symptom of various health conditions, ranging from mild to severe. These signs and symptoms are important as they can indicate underlying health issues, including peripheral artery disease or PAD.

What does the color of the bottom of your feet mean?

There are several reasons for your bottom of feet yellow color: Thickened skin as a result of repeated pressure or friction from walking or standing. Certain foods can lead to changes in skin color, including the soles of your feet. Some infections can cause the soles to take on a yellowish appearance.

Why is the bottom of my feet stained black?

Exposure and Friction: The soles of the feet are often exposed to friction and pressure from walking and standing. This can lead to calluses, which are areas of thickened skin that can appear darker due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and increased keratin.

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What disease causes your feet to turn black?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Peripheral artery disease is a disorder characterized by the restriction of the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, often due to atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque inside the arteries).

How to get rid of dark feet?

Lemon is found in every household and can be the best remedy to lighten dark areas of the body, thanks to the fact that it is considered to be a natural bleaching agent. Squeeze a lemon and rub a few drops of it on your feet and hands. Let the juice dry for fifteen minutes and thereafter, wash it off with normal water.

What do poor circulation feet look like?

Signs and symptoms

People with poor circulation may notice their feet feel cold or numb. They may also notice discoloration. The feet may turn red, blue, purple, or white. These symptoms may worsen in certain situations, such as when a person sits still for long periods or goes outside in cold weather.

How do you get rid of discoloration on the bottom of your feet?

Several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can lighten or eliminate brown spots. These include creams, lotions, and serums that contain active ingredients such as hydroquinone, glycolic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, and vitamin C. They work by reducing the production of melanin, promoting skin cell turnover, or both.

Can the bottom of your feet tell you about your health?

Your feet can tell you a lot about underlying health conditions before they show up anywhere else. From tingly feelings and numbness, to joint aches or ulcers, your feet will show you symptoms that you can attend to before they become a more serious problem.

What is lupus foot?

In the feet, lupus commonly leads to arthritis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons, is also frequent, causing pain and difficulty in movement. Additionally, tendon laxity, or the loosening of tendons, can occur, causing instability and increasing the risk of sprains.

How to fix poor circulation in feet?

5 ways to boost your circulation
  1. Keep your legs elevated. Try to prop up your feet at least slightly higher than your hips when you're sitting down. ...
  2. Stay active. ...
  3. Drink more water. ...
  4. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  5. Wear compression stockings.

Can diabetes cause discoloration in feet?

Symptoms. Symptoms of neuropathy include the loss of sensation or pain and tingling sensations. Because of the lack of sensation, patients may develop a blister, abrasion, or wound, but not feel any pain. Skin discoloration, skin temperature changes, or pain are also common.

Why are my feet getting darker?

Venous insufficiency is an issue that happens when your leg veins have trouble sending your blood back to your heart. This insufficiency can cause blood to pool in your legs and feet. Over time, this can lead to dark discoloration on your feet and ankles, often making them look reddish or brown.

What do diabetic feet look like?

Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet, such as Charcot's foot. Charcot's foot may start with redness, warmth, and swelling. Later, bones in your feet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your feet to have an odd shape, such as a “rocker bottom.”

How do you get rid of dark tan on your feet?

For instant tan removal, turmeric can be your go-to pick and when paired with corn flour, it helps in de-tanning. In a bowl, take 1 tablespoon corn flour, 1 teaspoon turmeric and the same amount of honey to whip a paste. Apply it all over the feet and wash it off with cold water after 30 minutes.

What does it mean when the bottom of your feet change color?

Purple or blue feet may be a sign of an injury or an underlying health condition, such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral arterial disease, or frostbite. Skin can become blue or purple due to bruising, but this color change can also indicate that not enough oxygen-rich blood is reaching the area.

Can heart problems cause purple feet?

Many diseases of the heart cause fluid to build up in your feet and lower legs. As the fluid builds up, you may see swelling, which can extend as far as the upper legs and groin. What it may be telling you: You have a blockage in a blood vessel. When you're extremely cold, your skin can turn blue (or purple).

Should I worry about hemosiderin staining?

In and of itself, the accumulation of hemosiderin is not a threat to health. However, because this can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, it would be a good idea for you to be evaluated by your health care provider.

How can I check blood circulation in my feet at home?

Lie on your back on a bed and raise your legs 60 degrees, bend and extend your knees for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The foot with poor blood flow may become pale or feel painful.

What drink opens up arteries?

Pomegranate juice is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which research suggests can improve blood circulation. This juice also has nutrients, including vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels and can improve blood flow in that way.

Does soaking feet in hot water help blood circulation?

Improved circulation – Soaking your feet in warm water helps blood vessels vasodilate (become bigger) which gets more blood to the legs and feet. This can reduce pain and swelling. Softening – Foot baths can help soften the skin and nails. It can also help remove unwanted skin that builds up or causes pain.

How to lighten the bottom of your feet?

Apply freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice to the skin on your hands and feet with a cotton ball before bed. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Dry orange peels in your oven and grind to a powder. Mix with plain yogurt and apply it to your skin before bed.

Does apple cider vinegar really get rid of age spots?

There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.

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